Category: Youth Leagues

by AspiDimitrov

RED SOX AND CARDINALS TO PLAY FOR THE 2010 LEAGUE TITLE. CUBS AND YANKEES TO FIGHT FOR BRONZE

Report from Herts Little League Correspondent, Tracey Manning

YANKEES VS CARDINALS
A great start to the first game, new pitcher Richard Ganster for the Yankees did a wonderful job in the opening innings, however Carlos Casal Jr (Cardinals) matched it and went one better, fellow team mate Drew Mayhew hit a double. Big hitters in this game were Marty Cullen Jr and Jose Morillo from the Yankees a big effort but Cardinals stopped them from making any head way. It ended 4-1 to the Cardinals.


RED SOX VS CUBSRed Sox played a calm and very precise game keeping the Cubs at bay. Cubs didn’t stand around and with some good hits and fielding, the older team members from both sides helped and encouraged the younger ones who did really well and they got on base this was a massive boost to them. The game ended with a score of 8-5 to the Red Sox.

After lunch some off the Little Leaguers joined in with their coaches for a mid-game training session then on with the second games of the day.


CARDINALS VS RED SOX
On the mound for the Cardinals Kyle Lloyd-Jones struck out many of his opponents. Cardinals held out in front up to second half of the game. Michael Davis caught many fly balls for the Red Sox and Theo Longboy came home to score the first run for the Redsox in the 3rd inning and they never looked back. Cardinals slugger Joshua Jones made a brave attempt to get to first base but was beaten to it by a strong throw. Red Sox won 5-4.

YANKEES VS CUBS
Young pitcher Alex Deacon opened for the Cubs and did a great job, The rest of the Cubs backed him up well. Big hits from Nick Martinez and Lewis Green both from the Cubs.
Slugger Jose Morillo yet again made some big hits and managed a inside the park home run. The Yankees pulled away and this left the score at 11-8 to the Yankees.

These results mean that the Red Sox and Cardinals finish in first and second place respectively so they will battle in the Herts Little League Championship game on Saturday 7 August. On the same day, the Yankees and Cubs will play in the Bronze medal game.

Herts Little League Standings (as at 24 July 2010)

Majors

Team

W

L

%

F

A

Run +/-

GB

Streak

Herts Red Sox

8.5

3.5

0.708

54

39

15

–

W2

Herts Cardinals

7

5

0.583

47

32

15

1.5

L1

Herts Yankees

5.5

6.5

0.458

51

54

-3

3

W1

Herts Cubs

3

9

0.250

39

66

-27

5.5

L2

 

 

by AspiDimitrov

NEW HERTS BASEBALL CAP AT THE HERTS SHOP FROM TOMORROW

 

 

 

The new Herts Baseball Caps have finally arrived. They will be available to buy at the ballpark starting from Sunday, 25 July, during the adult league games and in the following weekends at most Little League and Adult events.

The new Herts cap is a premium model fitted cap available in three different sizes. It features a 3D raised stitch logo as well as “hertsbaseball.com” on the back. The manufacturer’s brand name is embroidered on the left side of the cap.

This is a higher grade cap and its price is slightly higher than the previous model. The price is £12. Registered Little League players receive a discount so the price for them is £10.

 

 

by AspiDimitrov

CUBS AND CARDINALS GAIN GROUND. HERTS ALL-STARS EXTEWND UNBEATEN RUN

Report from Herts Little League Correspondent, Tracey Manning

 

There was an early start for the Herts Little Leaguers on a fine Saturday morning of week 6 of the Herts Baseball Little League.

Cardinals Vs YankeesYankees batting first, many big hitters Cameron Ross, Jose Morillo and Marty Cullen Jr, but with the Cardinals on top form stopped the Yankees from making much head way as they only managed 2 runs in this fast game. Cardinals Kieran Manning hit a triple sending home fellow team mates left the end score 8-4 to the Cardinals.

 

Redsox Vs Cubs
Both teams put members in different positions for a new feel this giving Cubs Alexander Deacon his debut as pitcher. On the mound for the Red Sox was Michael Davis who kept the score at a close 7-6 to the Cubs.

The teams played only one league game each, and this was followed by the Herts All-Stars double header against the Essex Redbacks in the afternoon.

 

HERTS LITTLE LEAGUE STANDINGS (as at 17 July 2010)


 

Majors
Team W L % F A Run +/- GB Streak
Herts Red Sox 6.5 3.5 0.650 41 30 11 – L1
Herts Cardinals 6 4 0.600 39 26 13 0.5 W1
Herts Yankees 4.5 5.5 0.450 39 42 -3 2 L1
Herts Cubs 3 7 0.300 26 47 -21 3.5 W1
Minors
Team W L % F A Run +/- GB Streak
Herts Tornados 1 1 0.500 18 19 -1 – L1
Herts Crocs 1 1 0.500 19 18 1 – W1

 

 

Herts All-Stars vs Essex RedBacks

 

Herts All-Stars welcomed the Essex Redbacks and got down to business.


In the first innings no-one from the Redbacks got on base Nick Martinez made sure of that and the balls which were put in play were swiftly passed to 1st base. Kyle Lloyd-Jones hit his first home run for the Herts All-Stars this year. May many more follow for this power hitter. Another big hit came from Jonny Compton-Weight. Herts kept the game going at a fast pace to get 5 runs each of the first 3 innnings. Zack Longboy was the closing pitcher in this game leaving the score at 20-0 to Herts.

On the mound in the second game of the day was Marty Cullen Jr. Redbacks got a second wind and scored 5 runs in the 1st innings. Not to be outdone, Herts also drove 5 runs in. Carlos Casel hit a triple, Nick Martinez, Jose Morillo and Marty Cullen Jr all got ground rule doubles. Charlie Mayhew seems to be king of the inside the park home runs and achieved his second one in as many weeks. Redbacks fought back and also hit a home run but alas this wasn’t enough to win. Herts scoring 20 runs to their 11.

photos supplied by Ward Davis (click here to see more image from week 6 action or for images from the Herts All-Stars vs Essex RedBacks game click here)


by AspiDimitrov

HERTS ALL-STARS TOO HOT FOR THE BRACKNELL BLAZERS

 

Report by Herts Little League Correspondent, Tracey Manning

 

The Herts All Stars welcomed the Bracknell Blazers to sunny Grovehill Ballpark for a double header in the next round of games which count towards the seeding for the 2010 National Championships.

Game One

Blazers batting first, Herts kept the opposition from any runs in the first innings. Herts on the other hand took the lead and stayed there. Power hitter Marty Cullen Jr didn’t disappoint. Starting pitcher Zack Longboy did his share to keep the Blazers from getting any runs early on. Carlos Casal Jr cam through with a big hit for an inside the park home run in the 2nd inning. Herts worked well as a team with some precise fielding picking up a win with a final score of 10-2.

 

 

Game Two

With the heat rising on the hottest day of the year so far, both teams had a quick soaking from the hose from coach Carlos Casal Senior and everyone was ready to play ball again. On the mound Kyle Lloyd-Jones recorded several strikeouts. Lewis Green got an assist after a throw all the way from right field. He stopped a ground ball and threw home where catcher Kieran Manning was ready to receive the ball and apply the tag on the incoming runner. Herts took the lead from the start and this is where they stayed. Michael Davis and Gus Beedell were consistently getting on base while Charlie Mayhew hit an inside the park home run. Every team member from Herts had a part to play in another 10-2 win for Herts.

 

More photos by Ward Davis from the Herts vs Bracknell game

 

by AspiDimitrov

YANKEES AND RED SOX WIN PITCHING DUELS ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

Report by Herts Little League correspondent, Tracey Manning

Herts Little League had a change of day this week by playing on Sunday coinciding with American Independence (4th of July) so a slight change of events. Many people helped with setting up fields and general things to get the day ready. After performing the American National Anthem it was time to play baseball.

HERTS RED SOX vs HERTS CUBS

Red Sox starting pitcher Zack Longboy kept the pace fast and accurate with many strike outs and a very impressive catch to get Cubs slugger, Nick Martinez, out. The rest of the Red Sox team did some very effective base-running. On the mound for the Cubs, Nick Martinez also matched Zack Longboy’s pitching with a string of strikeouts Cubs kept things interesting but lost 2-1.

HERTS CARDINALS vs HERTS YANKEES

Over on the other field Cardinals met the Yankees. First up to pitch for the Cardinals Aki Matsuo kept his cool in what was to be another battle. Kieran Manning catcher for the Cardinals throws to first base it gets back to home and the ball then passes to 3rd base (Kyle Lloyd-Jones) who proceeded to tag out two players from the Yankees making that an amazing triple play. Opening pitcher for the Yankees, Marty Cullen Jr, happily made some well timed strikeouts for his team only one run in the game and this was scored by Aaron Witter from the Yankees so the final score stayed at 1-0 to the Yankees.

After the league games Little Leaguers, families, friends enjoyed barbeques and many other yummy dishes donated by Little League families, while supporting the Herts adult team, the Hawks in their league game against the Richmond Knights.

With lunch settled a family game of softball took place this was a great fun, who cared what the end score was….I do!! because I happened to be on the winning side 9 to the Minute Men and 4 for The Herts Smiles.

 

Majors
Team W L % F A Run +/- GB Streak
Herts Red Sox 6.5 2.5 0.722 41 30 11 – W1
Herts Cardinals 5 4 0.556 39 26 13 1.5 L1
Herts Yankees 4.5 4.5 0.500 39 42 -3 2 W1
Herts Cubs 2 7 0.222 26 47 -21 4.5 L1
Minors
Team W L % F A Run +/- GB Streak
Herts Tornados 1 1 0.500 18 19 -1 – L1
Herts Crocs 1 1 0.500 19 18 1 – W1

 

by AspiDimitrov

PRINCE HARRY THROWS OUT FIRST PITCH AT NEW YORK METS GAME

This article first appeared on www.telegraph.co.uk

 

The prince was given the honour usually reserved for presidents, politician and pop stars but did not disgrace himself despite his initial fears.

When asked how he felt before making his way to the pitcher’s mound the 25-year-old royal replied “don’t ask”, then joked “can I have a practice first?”.

 

Pointing towards his private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton he said: “He wants to bat against me.”

The prince appeared a little apprehensive when he finally walked out in front of the crowds and prepared to throw the ball to the catcher at the New York Mets’ Citi Field stadium in the suburb of Queens.

But he received a rapturous welcome from the near capacity audience of around 40,000 people who applauded and cheered as the prince was introduced.

He pointed at the Mets catcher Rod Barajas as if to warn him about the thunderbolt about to come his way.

Harry was wearing the local team’s blue baseball cap and a T-shirt supporting the Walking with the Wounded expedition.

The fundraising trek, which has Harry as its patron, will take a group of injured British servicemen on a gruelling trek to the North Pole next year.

The 25-year-old royal wound up his right hand to deliver the ball to Barajas, who was standing just behind home plate, and as he let go the pitch slammed into the sportsman’s glove and the crowd cheered wildly.

The prince took his cap off and wiped his brow in relief before running down the mound to shake hands with the catcher.

VIDEO: Click here to watch the Prince in action…Nice pitch! Atta boy Harry!

 

by AspiDimitrov

CARDINALS GAIN GROUND ON RED SOX. CUBS END 5-GAME LOSING STREAK

Report from Herts Baseball Little League Correpondent, Tracey Manning

As the sun beats down on the 4th week the Herts Little League gets going to a keen start after a week off. On Field One Cubs versus Cardinals the game started fast. Big hits of the day came from Nick Martinez and Brodie Caress to give the Herts Cubs the lead. Cardinals starting pitcher, Kyle Lloyd-Jones, helped himself out catching a fly ball and was always close to the action. Cubs third baseman, Oliver Durer, made a nice catch and throw to 2nd base, but at the end it wasn’t enough for theCubs, as they continued their losing streak with a final score of 8-3 to the Herts Cardinals.

Over on Field Two the Yankees and Redsox got down to business with the usual zest to take a win from their rivals. It proved to be a pitching duel.  The Yankees took a one-run lead into the bottom of the last inning but the Red Sox had plans of their own and delivered with clutch hits when it really mattered to earn a walk-off win 2-1.

 

In the second games of the day the Herts Cubs faced the Yankees. The struggling Cubs went into the game trying to end a 5-game losing streak.  With new found energy after lunch, they showed a lot of determination and desire to give the Yankees a tough time. Nick Martinez provided the much needed starting pitching for them to shut down the Yankees offence.  Ben Jones came in to close the game in the final inning.  Despite mounting a come back in the final inning to load the bases, the Yankees ended without a run after some amazing fielding by Nick Martinez first throwing out the batter at first base all the way from centerfield and then reaching over the outfield fence for the final out after a big hit from Marty Cullen Jr..  Final score 9-0 to the Cubs.


The finala gam,e of the day was a top of the table clash between the Cardinals and the league leading Redsox. Ozan Martin of the Cardinals hit a couple of big hits whichhe followed with some aggressive base-running. Despite great defensive work by the Red Sox, which included a double-play, the Cardinals came out on top winning 5-0.

After 8 games the Red Sox lead the way, but the chasing pack has closed the gap and the race for the title is hotting up.

Majors
Team W L % F A Run +/- GB Streak
Herts Red Sox 5.5 2.5 0.688 39 29 10               – L1
Herts Cardinals 5 3 0.625 39 25 14            0.5 W2
Herts Yankees 3.5 4.5 0.438 38 42 -4               2 L1
Herts Cubs 2 6 0.250 25 45 -20            3.5 W1
Minors
Team W L % F A Run +/- GB Streak
Herts Tornados 1 1 0.500 18 19 -1              –  L1
Herts Crocs 1 1 0.500 19 18 1              –  W1

by AspiDimitrov

HERTS OFF TO A GOOD START IN THE YOUTH NATIONALS

Herts All-Stars after sweeping the Bracknell Blazers (photo by Ward Davis)

Herts Little League Reporter, Tracey Manning, looks back at Saturday's Under-13 clash between the Herts All-Stars and the Bracknell Blazers.

Herts Little League had a day off but our Herts All-star team played down in Bracknell against their team Branknell Brazers.The first game got of to a fantastic start,big hitters in the first innings Nick Martinez and Kieran Manning,a great catch from Michael Davis who was playing right field had the supporters out of their chairs and holding breaths. Jonny Compton-Weight had a ground rule double as the game progressed we saw some big hits from Marty Cullen jr. Nick Martinez on the mound no-one from the Brazers got to first base in the second innings.
Jose Morillo who was never far from the action made some big hits by his game play got home his team members, pitcher Jesse Reinbold made three strike outs in succession in the 4th innings Carlos Casel jr made a nice catch ,Nick Martinez scored a home run and Jesse Reinbold yet again with some excellent pitching stopped the Blazers in their tracks final score 23-0

 

Nick Martinez produced an outstanding performance both with the bat and on the mound.(photo by Ward Davis)

2nd game Bracknell Brazers batting first saw Zack Longboy on the mound three out with a brilliant catch by Zack, Jose Morillo had a huge hit and played a superb game other big hitters in this game were Jake Caress, Michael Davis and Marty Cullen jr. In the last innings of the day Lewis Green who came on at the end to close the game didn't disappoint and got three strikeouts.

The All-stars played well as a team but then I have to say in my eyes Jose Morillo was man of the day with a ray of triples and some aggressive base running on both games helped his team win 15-4

Jose Morillo was the Player of the Day in the eyes of many of the travelling Herts fans (photo by Ward Davis)

by AspiDimitrov

HERTS YOUNGSTERS SWEEP BRACKNELL

The Herts All-Stars were in devastating form sweeping the Bracknell Blazers 23-0 and 15-4. The team was the runner-up in last year’s National Youth Championships and today’s results are a sign that the team from Hertfordshire is eager to do even better this season.

While the Herts Little League rests this week, the Herts All-Stars travelled south to Bracknell to play two of their six games which count towards the seeding in the National Youth Baseball Championships this season. The Herts All-Stars are a selection of the best players under the age of 13 from the six Herts Little League teams competing this year.

In the first game Herts took the lead early and never looked back. Nickolas Martinez, Marty Cullen Jr and Jesse Reinebold combined for a shutout win. Offensively Herts scored 23 runs with some very productive hitting from the first to the ninth batter in the lineup. Jose Morillo with 2 triples and Marty Cullen Jr with 3 doubles stood out in the box scores, but the highlight of the game was a grand slam by Nickolas Martinez which went deep over the outfield fence.

Despite trailing early in the game Herts recorded a convincing 15-4 win in the second game of the day. Jose Morillo once again shone with the bat coming very close to hitting for the cycle (i.e. hitting a single, double, triple and a home run). He only needed a home run to complete it. Zack Longboy, Carlos Casal Jr and Marty Cullen Jr were the pitchers in the game with Lewis Green coming in at the end to close the game and complete a very successful day for the youngsters from Hertfordshire.

Herts Little League Commissioner Marty Cullen was pleased with the performance. He said: “The hard work which our players have put in is paying off and we hope to continue the good progress.”